RAMALLAH, March 17, 2026 (WAFA) - Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Varsen Shahin, held an extensive briefing on Tuesday for the diplomatic corps accredited to the State of Palestine, reviewing the escalating settler terrorism in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
The minister stated that Israeli authorities are exploiting the international community’s focus on regional crises to intensify settlement policies and accelerate creeping annexation. This includes expanding settlements and implementing legislative and administrative measures that entrench permanent control over Palestinian land, undermine the two-state solution, and threaten the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination.
Shahin emphasized that settler terrorism has reached unprecedented levels, with daily organized attacks targeting Palestinians and their property. These attacks include killings, physical assaults, arson of homes and vehicles, destruction of agricultural lands, and seizure of natural resources; often under the direct protection of Israeli forces.
She also highlighted ongoing violations against religious sites, particularly the continued closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque since the beginning of the conflict and restrictions preventing worshippers from performing prayers during the holy month of Ramadan, clear violations of freedom of worship.
The briefing featured testimonies from local leaders directly affected by the escalation. Ayman Hamayel, head of the Abu Falah Village Council; Ahmad Inaya, Mayor of Azzun; and Amin Abu Alia, head of the Al-Mughayyir Village Council, described how killings have become part of the daily attacks. Residents face direct gunfire from settlers, often in the presence of Israeli forces, resulting in deaths and injuries with no accountability.
They also highlighted the repeated and complete closure of village entrances with iron gates, isolating Palestinian communities and severely restricting movement. These measures are accompanied by frequent raids, arson attacks, land seizures, and the creation of new settlement outposts, deepening residents’ suffering and threatening their continued presence on their land.
In conclusion, Minister Shahin called on the international community to assume its legal and moral responsibilities and take concrete steps to halt these violations, providing protection for the Palestinian people in accordance with international law and relevant United Nations resolutions.
T.R.
